Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Pressure Washing Business
A low-cost service business with steady residential demand and several revenue streams: houses, driveways, decks, and commercial flatwork.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$1,800 – $10,500*Pending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Spring–fall peak
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $10,500
5 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
1 / 50.0% a yearPending verificationSourceRolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 1 brand: Rolling Suds 0.0% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
3 / 58.2% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
113 of 1,375 SBA 7(a) loans to Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 128 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Other services to buildings and dwellings, which includes pressure washing (NAICS 561790): employer establishments +21.8% (14,841 to 18,069) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for washing in California; you need a city or county business license and must keep wash water out of storm drains. A CSLB license only applies if you also do repair work (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Mostly households, plus small commercial clients; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $20,000 – $59,500Pending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $47,000 – $299,250Pending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $1,800 – $10,500*Pending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $15,360Pending verificationSourceMoneyGeek 2026 — pressure washing business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $15,360 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $84,200 – $426,410 | $17,160 – $25,860* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $20,000 – $59,500Pending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $47,000 – $299,250Pending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $1,800 – $10,500*Pending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 5% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesFranchise.com — Sparkle Wash listing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026IFPG — A1 Pressure Washing(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Rolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Window Ninjas — franchise page(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $15,360Pending verificationSourceMoneyGeek 2026 — pressure washing business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $15,360
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $84,200 – $426,410
- Independent
- $17,160 – $25,860*
5-year totals assume $87,360–$145,600 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Sparkle Wash
We couldn't check Item 19: the newest Sparkle Wash FDD on file in Minnesota CARDS is from 2023, so the figures above come from a franchise directory listing.
A1 Pressure Washing
We couldn't check Item 19: no FDD for this brand was on file in Minnesota CARDS when we looked, so the figures above come from a franchise directory listing.
Rolling Suds
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 revenue for 25 franchised outlets that reported every month of 2025, plus revenue, expenses and EBITDA for the franchisor's affiliate-owned business in Warrington, Pennsylvania.
- Average 2025 revenue, 25 franchised outlets reporting all 12 months of 2025 (gross revenue, not profit)$461,189 a yearPending verificationSourceRolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2.A/2.B. Revenue reported by franchisees and not audited; it is gross revenue before royalties and expenses, not profit. Leaves out outlets not open all of 2025 or that missed a month of reporting (the system had 64 franchised outlets at the start of 2025 and 134 at the end). Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 revenue, same 25 franchised outlets$324,973 a yearPending verificationSourceRolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2.A/2.B. Revenue reported by franchisees and not audited; it is gross revenue before royalties and expenses, not profit. Leaves out outlets not open all of 2025 or that missed a month of reporting (the system had 64 franchised outlets at the start of 2025 and 134 at the end). Your results may differ.
- Lowest 2025 revenue among the same 25 franchised outlets$92,837 a yearPending verificationSourceRolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2.A/2.B. Revenue reported by franchisees and not audited; it is gross revenue before royalties and expenses, not profit. Leaves out outlets not open all of 2025 or that missed a month of reporting (the system had 64 franchised outlets at the start of 2025 and 134 at the end). Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 revenue, 5 franchised outlets open all of 2024 and 2025$609,681 a yearPending verificationSourceRolling Suds 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 20, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2.A/2.B. Revenue reported by franchisees and not audited; it is gross revenue before royalties and expenses, not profit. Leaves out outlets not open all of 2025 or that missed a month of reporting (the system had 64 franchised outlets at the start of 2025 and 134 at the end). Your results may differ.
Window Ninjas
We couldn't check Item 19: no FDD for this brand was on file in Minnesota CARDS when we looked, so the figures above come from the franchisor's own page.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Brand recognition customers may already know
- Initial and ongoing training
- Marketing support and lead generation
- Established operating systems and software
- A network of other owners to learn from
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure washer, 4 GPM belt-drive (new)Pending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide; to be cross-checked against vendor price pages before verification. | $1,200 | $1,700 | $2,200 |
| Surface cleaner, 19–20 inchPending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide; to be cross-checked against vendor price pages before verification. | $300 | $500 | $700 |
| Legal setup (LLC, business license)Pending verificationSourceSurfaceMeasure — pressure washing business startup cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Single tier-3 guide; to be cross-checked against vendor price pages before verification. | $300 | $650 | $1,000 |
| Hoses and fittings | Data coming soon | ||
| Chemicals and supplies | Data coming soon | ||
| Safety gear | Data coming soon | ||
| Website and booking software | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $1,800 | $2,850 | $3,900 |
Share of mid estimate
- Pressure washer, 4 GPM belt-drive (new)60%
- Surface cleaner, 19–20 inch18%
- Legal setup (LLC, business license)23%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 5 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Placeholder estimate, not based on operator data yet. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $71,890
- Year-2 profit
- $71,184
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 11.7 | $2,457 | $625 | $1,832 | -$1,018 |
| 2 (Apr) | 20.8 | $4,368 | $911 | $3,457 | $2,439 |
| 3 (May) | 28.2 | $5,915 | $1,143 | $4,772 | $7,211 |
| 4 (Jun) | 33.8 | $7,098 | $1,321 | $5,777 | $12,988 |
| 5 (Jul) | 36.4 | $7,644 | $1,403 | $6,241 | $19,230 |
| 6 (Aug) | 41.6 | $8,736 | $1,566 | $7,170 | $26,399 |
| 7 (Sep) | 38.1 | $8,008 | $1,457 | $6,551 | $32,950 |
| 8 (Oct) | 34.7 | $7,280 | $1,348 | $5,932 | $38,882 |
| 9 (Nov) | 27.7 | $5,824 | $1,130 | $4,694 | $43,577 |
| 10 (Dec) | 24.3 | $5,096 | $1,020 | $4,076 | $47,652 |
| 11 (Jan) | 20.8 | $4,368 | $911 | $3,457 | $51,109 |
| 12 (Feb) | 24.3 | $5,096 | $1,020 | $4,076 | $55,185 |
| 13 (Mar) | 31.2 | $6,552 | $1,239 | $5,313 | $60,498 |
| 14 (Apr) | 41.6 | $8,736 | $1,566 | $7,170 | $67,667 |
| 15 (May) | 45.1 | $9,464 | $1,676 | $7,788 | $75,456 |
| 16 (Jun) | 45.1 | $9,464 | $1,676 | $7,788 | $83,244 |
| 17 (Jul) | 41.6 | $8,736 | $1,566 | $7,170 | $90,414 |
| 18 (Aug) | 41.6 | $8,736 | $1,566 | $7,170 | $97,583 |
| 19 (Sep) | 38.1 | $8,008 | $1,457 | $6,551 | $104,134 |
| 20 (Oct) | 34.7 | $7,280 | $1,348 | $5,932 | $110,066 |
| 21 (Nov) | 27.7 | $5,824 | $1,130 | $4,694 | $114,761 |
| 22 (Dec) | 24.3 | $5,096 | $1,020 | $4,076 | $118,836 |
| 23 (Jan) | 20.8 | $4,368 | $911 | $3,457 | $122,293 |
| 24 (Feb) | 24.3 | $5,096 | $1,020 | $4,076 | $126,369 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Whole-house wash (national average)$312Pending verificationSourceAngi 2026 — cost to pressure wash a house(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Based on 51,092 verified projects.
- Driveway (national average)$210Pending verificationSourceAngi 2026 — cost to pressure wash a driveway(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026
- Driveway, 576 sq ft$175 – $320Pending verificationSourceAngi 2026 — cost to pressure wash a driveway(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026
- Driveway, per square foot$0.30 – $0.55 per sq ftPending verificationSourceAngi 2026 — cost to pressure wash a driveway(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per establishment, all employer firms, NAICS 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (includes power washing), 2022$780,393 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (includes power washing), 2022$312,395 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) business, NAICS 5617 Services to Buildings and Dwellings (all building-service trades combined), 2024$28,004 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Nonemployer Statistics, U.S. file (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Year-1 gross revenue, solo operator$40,000 – $75,000 a yearPending verificationSourceOnCallClerk — how to start a pressure washing business(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Figure from a single tier-3 guide. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Year-1 revenue$50,000 – $80,000 a yearPending verificationSourceCrewNest — pressure washing business plan(opens in a new tab)Tier 3 · Guide or blog · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Figure from a single tier-3 guide. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Seasonality
Demand is slower in late fall and winter in most of the country.
How to manage it: Build a cash reserve during peak months and consider off-season services.
Physical strain
The work is repetitive and physical: hoses, ladders, and long days outdoors.
How to manage it: Use proper equipment and technique, pace your schedule, and plan for help as you grow.
Property damage liability
High pressure can damage siding, wood, paint, and plants.
How to manage it: Carry liability insurance, learn soft-washing for delicate surfaces, and test in a hidden spot first.
Water runoff rules
Many cities restrict wash water and chemicals from entering storm drains.
How to manage it: Learn your local stormwater rules before your first job and follow best practices for capture and disposal.
Price competition
The low startup cost means many local operators compete on price.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, communication, and quality rather than being the cheapest.
Weather dependence
Rain and extreme temperatures cancel or delay jobs.
How to manage it: Keep a flexible calendar and a clear rescheduling policy.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
Contractor license (CSLB) — may apply
Pending verificationA contractor license may be required when pressure washing is framed as surface preparation or improvement work. Sources disagree on the minor-work dollar threshold, so check directly with the CSLB before quoting that kind of job.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Stormwater rules for mobile cleaning
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Stormwater BMP Handbook — BG-62 Mobile Cleaning (Santa Clara County copy)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Clean up dry first, avoid soap where possible, keep wash water out of storm drains, and dispose of it legally. Some cities (for example, Chula Vista) require stormwater certification before issuing a mobile business license.
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose your business structure
- Buy equipment
- Get insured
- Set up your systems
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Community outreach
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Hiring
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Trailers and rigs
Complete trailer and skid builds.
Get the Kit
Pressure Washing Digital Kit
Everything on this page, plus the tools to act on it.
- Step-by-step playbook (PDF) — From setup to growth, in order.
- Startup budget spreadsheet (XLSX) — Every line item, with sources.
- 24-month forecast spreadsheet (XLSX) — Change the assumptions to fit your market.
- Templates (DOCX) — Ready-to-edit business documents.
$79
One-time purchase. No royalties, ever.
See the Pressure Washing Kit30-day refund, no questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Will I pay royalties or ongoing fees to you?
No. Kits are a one-time purchase. Everything you earn is yours.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.